GR Issue: Wildland Fire

IAFC Comments on Wildland Fire ProposalJun. 13, 2016 - The IAFC recently submitted comments in response to a discussion draft circulated by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources on variuos proposals to address wildland fire costs and operational issues. In these comments, the IAFC applauded the proposal to fund wildland fire expenses through a cap adjustment rather than the Disaster Relief Fund. However, the IAFC did express some concern about the lack of involvement from local fire departments in the variuos proposals. Read the IAFC's letter to see the IAFC's full review of the proposed policy changes.

Murkowski and Cantwell Offer Wildland Fire ProposalsMay 25, 2016 - Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released a discussion draft on proposals to address funding for federal wildland fire suppression, operational issues, and land management issues. While the IAFC was pleased to see a responsible funding mechanism which avoids usage of the Disaster Relief Fund, the IAFC does believe local fire departments should play a great role in the policy proposals. The full discussion draft can be seen here. The IAFC is currently developing an full response to these policy proposals.

White House Releases Budget for FY 2016Feb. 9, 2015 - The White House released its funding request for Fiscal Year 2016. The budget incorporates the proposal to reform wildland fire suppression funding to allow the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Interior (DOI) to access funds under the Disaster Relief Fund. Learn more about how the budget impacts wildland fire suppression.

Womack Introduced Bill to Preserve FEPP/FFPJan. 6, 2015 - Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) has re-introduced the Firefighter Equipment Protection Act (H.R. 177) which would codify the FEPP and FFP programs to prevent adminstrative changes being made to change the programs. Rep. Tim Griffin introduced identical legislation in the 113th Congress, however Congress failed to vote on the legislation before the end of the 113th Congress.